How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
This week, the BBC's Panorama program examined how certain private clinics diagnosed adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed alarming instances. But it also reveals the hardships of those who are caught between two rocks in a difficult place.
The NHS has long waiting periods for adults seeking an ADHD assessment. Many prefer to pay for a private assessment.
Symptoms
If you or your child is suffering from symptoms of ADHD A private ADHD assessment will help you find the answers you've been looking for. ADHD symptoms can be misinterpreted as signs of other conditions. A proper diagnosis is essential for your health.
The most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These symptoms can cause problems in school, working and at home. Symptoms can also affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments will allow you to determine if you suffer from ADHD and offer the treatment you require to lead your best life.
It is essential to find a private ADHD assessor who will spend the time necessary to assess you in a person. The specialist must be ready for a three-hour assessment session. During the assessment your specialist will ask you how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. Your specialist will also ask about your family history and other mental health issues you may have. They might also want to speak to your employer or school to understand your situation better.
It is important to make sure the healthcare professional conducting your private ADHD assessment is a trained and experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the highest possible treatment. Private healthcare providers are governed by the same rules as NHS healthcare professionals, and must adhere to best practice guidelines issued by NICE.
It is also beneficial to bring any supporting documents along to the assessment. This could include medical records and psychological reports or letters from your GP or questionnaires that you have completed. This information is required by your doctor to evaluate your symptoms and determine the most effective course of treatment.
You should also be aware that some medical staff have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This could make it difficult for them to make an accurate diagnosis. This is especially the case for people of color, who were assigned genders at birth, or who don't speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a nebulous disorder that can affect every aspect of a person's life. It can impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd assessment can help identify the cause and allow the patient to take control of their symptoms and improve their lives. An accurate diagnosis can help people find the appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms, reduce their anxiety and improve their life.
how much is a private adhd assessment uk of diagnosing adult ADHD involves a thorough medical history, questionnaires, and a thorough physical examination. Doctors can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to take your concerns seriously. They will recommend you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales will be used to assess the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is crucial that the healthcare professional conducting your assessment has the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to recognize ADHD. A Psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse is best but healthcare professionals who work in an NHS clinic can still be suitable since they are controlled by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
The stigma surrounding mental health, and especially ADHD results in some people do not get the diagnosis they need or deserve. This could be because a GP is reluctant to refer a patient or has a preconceived idea of what ADHD is like. It is also difficult for adults to get a diagnosis since they do not always exhibit the typical symptoms of ADHD.
It is advisable to schedule an assessment at a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics, if you believe that your child or yourself may have ADHD symptoms. They offer online assessments that diagnose a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. They also provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the issues you're experiencing at work, home or in social situations. They should be able to take you seriously and suggest you see an ADHD specialist in one of the Priory Hospitals or Wellbeing Centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from individual to individual, but can include medication or other forms of therapy like cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). The type of therapy recommended will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing and the degree of the symptoms. It is also essential to think about whether you have any other mental health problems that may affect your symptoms, and to consider these when deciding on the best course of treatment.
There are concerns that some private clinics are not correctly diagnosing patients with ADHD. Panorama's investigation revealed that an undercover journalist was able make appointments online with three private clinics and receive powerful medications following unreliable assessments online. The undercover journalist was able to answer questions with honesty about his symptoms however, he didn't inform the clinics that he was a reporter.
It is vital that you get your test conducted by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs, and other healthcare professionals with specific expertise, knowledge and experience in ADHD. It is not enough to have an authorization to practice, or to be on the NHS register to be considered a specialist in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment, your doctor will talk through how you are feeling and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also ask about your family history of ADHD, and any other mental health issues that you might have. It is important that you answer fully to these questions, since they are essential to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
Once your assessment is complete, your clinician will discuss with you the next steps. It will likely include a decision regarding whether or not to treat you with medication and a plan for the future treatment and follow-up. If you'd like to you could continue treatment as a private-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared care.
You should be aware that if you have been diagnosed with ADHD it may be difficult to obtain the medication you need on the NHS due to the long waiting lists. The "Right to choose" scheme allows adults in England to get private diagnosis and treatment. This is a great option when you are unable to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a teenager or child accept and understand their diagnosis, and makes positive lifestyle changes to improve their quality-of-life. Adults who have suffered from ADHD symptoms for a long time and are affecting their relationships or work could be able to benefit from a specialized ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is an inter-disciplinary team comprising Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists based in the UK who have extensive experience in assessing adults and children with ADHD. They provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment with diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for with three or five installments of PS195 (excluding any medication recommended by clinicians). Some private assessments require the submission of a GP referral letter, whereas others do not. Contact the service provider to find out what their policy is.
